Three years ago, Mario Cristobal landed one of his first big fish on the recruiting trail. Isaah Crocker from Sacramento, Calif., committed to Oregon over a dozen other offers.
It seemed like a massive recruiting win at the time but he has appeared in just one game since and has no career stats. He’s entering his redshirt sophomore season with the Ducks, seemingly buried on the depth chart.
Whenever it comes to players in their third or fourth seasons barely making noise, the transfer option seems more likely than ever. But Crocker hasn’t given up just yet.
In fact, he’s having a huge spring with the Ducks and Cristobal singled him out after the team’s second scrimmage this spring.
Mario Cristobal says he needs to single out wide receiver Isaah Crocker for his play in the scrimmage today, but also throughout the entire espring. Said he has had a really good spring overall and is impressing.
— Matt Prehm (@MattPrehm) April 24, 2021
Cristobal said that Crocker has been really good this spring and that good things are in store for him in the near future. That could mean the 2021 season is his breakout year.
And if he breaks out in 2021, that would be quite the accomplishment.
Crocker could star in loaded Oregon football WR corps
Oregon has one of the best receiving corps in the country heading into the 2021 season with guys like Mycah Pittman, Devon Williams, Jaylon Redd, Johnny Johnson, Josh Delgado, Kris Hutson, Dont’e Thornton, and Troy Franklin leading the way. This is what depth looks like.
But when Cristobal singles out a single receiver, you know he’s probably looking like a budding star. Especially a receiver who was once ranked in the top-200 in national recruiting rankings.
Crocker isn’t the biggest receiver, standing 6-foot-1 and 175 pounds, but he’s one of the most naturally-talented wide outs on the team. He’s been waiting for his opportunity to break out and this may just be the season.
Fans will get a live look at Crocker’s progress next weekend as the Ducks host their annual spring game.